For immediate release:

Statement on behalf of David S. Bell:

On the evening of January 12, 2019, David Bell and his family were at the
Asheville Mall. As Mr. Bell was leaving a bookstore, he observed a large pack of
youths harassing a woman. He asked the staff of the bookstore to call security. He
approached the pack of youths and directed them to “break it up.” He then
approached the woman and escorted her through the mall exit. The pack of youths
followed him outside of the mall. The youths encircled him outside the mall, and
blocked his ability to leave. Members of the group taunted him and yelled
threatening remarks. At some point, a female youth shoved him in the back. As he
turned around towards the direction of the shove a female youth stepped towards
him in an aggressive manner. He pushed the female youth away. The female
youth lost her balance and fell backwards. She then got to her feet and
aggressively charged in the direction of Mr. Bell. As she entered Mr. Bell’s
personal space he struck her with his closed fist. At that point, the pack
immediately disbursed and Mr. Bell was able to escape. He immediately flagged
down an Asheville Police Officer, surrendered himself and explained what had
transpired.

David Bell is a 51 year old husband and father. He continues to undergo long-term
treatment for a Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Mr.
Bell is deeply embarrassed and remorseful for his actions, He regrets that he
utilized physical force during the incident. His actions were in an effort to defend
himself against the perceived threat from a large pack of youth who had trapped
and surrounded him. His actions were not motivated by any animus towards the
persons in that group. Mr. Bell’s belief is that all persons are created equal and
that we are all children of God. Mr. Bell and his family pray for the healing of all
of those impacted by this unfortunate incident.